Tired of boring chicken dinners? A cast iron skillet can be your secret weapon for creating restaurant-worthy, one-pot meals in no time. From juicy, crispy chicken breasts to flavorful international dishes, dig into these deliciously easy cast iron skillet chicken recipes.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
A cast iron skillet isn’t just for baking cornbread. It can be your best friend when whipping up chicken dishes that are as satisfying as they are simple. Cast iron cookware has a way of turning ordinary weeknight dinners into a feast. Think juicy, perfectly browned chicken that’s full of flavor. And let’s not forget the versatility!
From spicy and smoky to tangy and sweet, chicken adapts to your cravings, making it a staple for meal prep enthusiasts. And, it’s an alpha-gal friendly meat! Whether you’re planning ahead or flying by the seat of your pants, these cast-iron chicken recipes are fast, easy, and delicious. So, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
In This Article
Chicken Recipes to Make in a Cast Iron Skillet
This carefully curated list of chicken recipes provides you with over a month’s worth of delicious alpha-gal friendly chicken recipes. From the simplicity of perfectly seared chicken breasts to the exotic flavors of international cuisines, these recipes spotlight your cast iron skillet’s role in getting dinner on the table in no time.
NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.
1
The Short Order Cook
Cast Iron Chicken Breast
Whip up a weeknight wonder with these cast iron skillet chicken breasts! A few ingredients and one pan are all you need to cook up chicken that's golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Make it a meal by pairing this fuss-free chicken recipe with one of these delicious chicken side dishes.
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2
The Short Order Cook
Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken
Savor the tropical flavors of coconut and lime with this incredible dish! Simmer juicy chicken thighs in a rich coconut milk sauce accented with zesty lime, soy sauce, and a hint of Thai chili garlic sauce for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty. This easy one-pan recipe delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes, ideal for both hectic weeknights and special dinners.
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3
Blackberry Babe
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
Embrace fall flavors with these apple cider chicken thighs! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned with herbs and seared to perfection. They're finished in a skillet with a savory apple cider sauce that includes apple slices, red onions, and a touch of dry white wine, creating a cozy, flavorful meal perfect for chilly evenings. Ready in just a few steps, it's a fall favorite that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table.
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4
Carne Diem
Salvadorian Pollo en Crema
Take a trip to the heart of Central America without leaving home with this Salvadorian pollo en crema. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, peppers, and onions, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that's simply irresistible. Seasoned with adobo, this dish is ready in under an hour, offering a fantastic way to spice up your dinner routine with deep, satisfying, and authentic flavors.
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5
Carne Diem
Cast Iron Chicken Fajitas
Transform your kitchen into a Mexican cantina with these sizzling cast iron chicken fajitas, featuring perfectly seasoned chicken strips and sautéed bell peppers and onions. The chicken and veggies are seasoned with a homemade blend of chili powders, cumin, and a hint of lime, creating a Tex-Mex favorite that's bursting with flavor. The high cast iron heat ensures that your chicken and veggies have perfectly charred edges.
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6
Fresh Off the Grid
Moroccan Spiced Chicken Over Couscous
Take your tastebuds on a trip to North Africa with this easy-to-make Moroccan spiced chicken. In less than 15 minutes, you can savor flavorfully spiced chicken perfectly pan-fried in a cast iron skillet. The same skillet cooks the couscous, soaking up all the delicious chicken flavors, and is then tossed with almonds, apricots, and parsley for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
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7
Carne Diem
Moroccan Tagine-Style Chicken and Olives
For another fantastic Moroccan dish, try this tagine-style chicken. Marinated in an exotic blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, allspice, coriander, and a hint of saffron, this dish combines the tangy tenderness of chicken thighs with the salty punch of olives. Preserved lemons add a unique flavor that's hard to replicate, perfectly complementing the rich spice mix. Serve it over quinoa to soak up all the delicious sauce.
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8
Platter Talk
Easy Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits
Cozy up with this comforting skillet chicken pot pie, topped with golden biscuits. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all under a layer of fluffy biscuits. Ready in just 35 minutes and costing around $10, it's the perfect recipe for a budget-friendly family meal. Whether you're using leftover chicken or starting fresh, this dish delivers all the homestyle goodness of pot pie without the fuss.
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9
Gypsyplate
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with this one-skillet chicken dish. This recipe is a breeze to make, infused with the fresh flavors of olives, artichokes, lemons, and cherry tomatoes. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean spices and then roasted to perfection alongside a colorful array of veggies. This dish is a light, healthy meal ready in just over an hour.
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10
As For Me and My Homestead
Indian Butter Chicken
Ready in less than 30 minutes, this classic Indian dish mixes tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy sauce. It features garam masala for an authentic taste, with an optional dash of cayenne pepper for those who want a little heat. Serve butter chicken over rice with naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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11
Great Chicken Recipes
Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
These pan-fried chicken tenders are cooked to golden perfection without needing breading. This low-carb, high-protein meal is ready in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick and healthy dinner. Seasoned with Cajun and herb sprinkle seasonings, these chicken tenders are juicy on the inside and beautifully browned on the outside.
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12
What a Girl Eats
Apricot Chicken with Ginger
This delicious and flavorful apricot-ginger glazed chicken is ready in under 20 minutes. This dish requires just a few ingredients, including chicken thighs or breasts, apricot jam, fresh ginger, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, to create the perfect balance of sweetness and zing. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this recipe promises a quick, satisfying meal that will impress.
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13
Dinner at the Zoo
Cranberry Chicken
Combine juicy chicken thighs with the tartness of fresh cranberries, the sweetness of orange juice, and hints of maple syrup and fresh rosemary in this easy-to-make cranberry chicken recipe. The chicken is seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, then roasted to perfection with a cranberry-orange glaze that's both tangy and sweet. Serve this festive dish during the colder months to bring a touch of warmth and color to your dinner table.
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14
The Default Cook
Baked Feta Chicken with Potatoes
This no-fuss recipe combines chicken, feta, and potatoes in a single pan for an easy and delicious meal. The chicken bakes to juicy perfection, the potatoes get wonderfully crispy, and the feta adds a creamy tang that ties everything together. It's a straightforward dish with a Mediterranean twist that’s ready in about an hour.
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15
Dished by Kate
One Pot Ginger Chilli Chicken Orzo
Whip up a flavor-packed dinner with this one-pot ginger chili chicken orzo. It’s inspired by Hainanese chicken rice, a classic Chinese dish, but ready in just 25 minutes. Browned chicken thighs meld with the zing of ginger and chili, cooked alongside orzo for a silky, savory dish. Finish with a drizzle of chili oil and sweet chili jam for a delightful kick.
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16
Earth, Food, and Fire
Chimichurri Chicken Breasts
Dig into the flavors of Argentina with these chimichurri chicken breasts. This recipe brings the herby goodness of chimichurri sauce to the forefront, marinating chicken breasts to infuse them with unparalleled flavor. Cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, each bite is juicy and bursting with parsley, garlic, and vinegar notes. It's a simple yet exotic twist on your usual chicken dinner.
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17
Divalicious Recipes
Brazilian Coconut Chicken
Take a trip to Brazil without leaving home with this coconut chicken recipe. It's a creamy, dreamy dish that combines tender chicken simmered in a rich coconut milk sauce, spiced with a blend of cumin, fresh ginger, and a hint of cayenne pepper for warmth. This comforting meal brings a touch of tropical Brazil to your table. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it's perfect for those evenings when you crave something a bit different.
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18
Strength and Sunshine
Banana Pepper and Tomato Baked Chicken
This dish is a flavor-packed meal featuring juicy chicken breasts nestled in a vibrant mix of fire-roasted tomatoes, tangy banana peppers, and a blend of herbs and spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect way to bring some excitement to your typical baked chicken dinner.
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19
Strength and Sunshine
Easy Cast Iron Whole Roasted Chicken
Master the art of roasting a whole chicken with this foolproof cast iron method. This recipe promises a flavorful, moist, and tender meal that’s perfectly seasoned. Stuffed with apples and shallots for an extra layer of flavor, it's a dish that's sure to impress.
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20
What's Smoking
Cast Iron Chicken Tacos
When you're short on time, cast iron chicken tacos are a fast, flavorful, budget-friendly meal. Start with seasoned chicken thighs diced into small pieces, then cook them quickly in a hot cast iron skillet. Whether you top them with hot sauce or guacamole salsa, these tacos deliver authentic street tacos right to your kitchen.
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21
Muy Bueno Blog
One-Skillet Mexican Chicken
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this one-skillet Mexican chicken recipe. This dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with colorful bell peppers, thinly sliced jalapeños, and sweet corn kernels, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Finished with a splash of lime for that authentic Mexican zest, it's a meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
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22
Turning the Clock Back
Chicken and Potato Skillet Dinner Recipe
Perfect for busy nights, this recipe combines the savory flavors of seasoned chicken with the comfort of potatoes and carrots, all cooked together in a cast iron skillet. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this dish is delicious and incredibly convenient.
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23
Ninnescah Homestead
Loaded Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs chicken with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, all simmered in a homemade creamy herbed sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it's ready in just 30 minutes and shines a spotlight on summer’s freshest flavors. Serve it with crusty, toasted bread to soak up the exquisite cream sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
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24
Casual Foodist
Crispy Pan-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms
Discover the secret to perfectly crispy and flavorful chicken thighs with this pan-roasted recipe. Chicken thighs are seasoned, seared until the skin is irresistibly crispy, and then roasted alongside earthy mushrooms in a savory blend of white wine and Dijon mustard. Finished with fresh thyme, this dish is both elegant and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
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25
Garlic and Zest
Rosemary Garlic Chicken Wings
For a game day dish with a twist, swap the usual buffalo wings for these rosemary garlic chicken wings. Packed with the aromatic flavors of fresh rosemary, charred onions, and mellow garlic, these crowd-pleasing wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
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26
Simple Living Recipes
Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes
Whip up a quick and delicious meal with these pan-seared chicken breasts, nestled among vibrant tomatoes and fresh basil. The chicken is beautifully browned and served with a buttery, garlicky sauce bursting with smoked paprika and tangy vinegar flavors. This easy one-skillet wonder is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for the busiest nights.
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27
Flavorful Eats
Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Satisfy your craving for comfort food with these juicy Italian chicken meatballs, smothered in marinara sauce and topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese. This one-pan wonder is a delightful twist on the classic chicken parmesan. Perfect for serving over your favorite pasta or stuffed into rolls for a mouthwatering meatball parmesan sub.
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28
The Slow Roasted Italian
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet
This one-pan wonder delivers all the goodness of traditional enchiladas without the fuss. Ready in just 20 minutes, it starts with skillet-roasted corn and layers in leftover or rotisserie chicken for ease. Mixed with fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and smothered in enchilada sauce, it's then topped with a generous amount of cheese and tortilla strips for that perfect crunch.
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29
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Say goodbye to take-out with this sweet and sour chicken that brings the classic flavors of your favorite dish right to your kitchen, all while keeping it healthy. This recipe is a delicious game changer made with boneless chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and a homemade sweet and sour sauce free from refined sugars and artificial ingredients.
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30
Primavera Kitchen
Spicy Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
This mouthwatering one-pan dish features juicy, flavorful boneless skinless chicken thighs nestled into a bed of nutritious, homemade cauliflower rice! Plus, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for nights when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
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31
Art of Natural Living
Blackened Chicken
Add a little spice to your life with this blackened chicken recipe, packed with the bold flavors of Cajun country. Featuring chicken breasts seasoned with a perfect blend of paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, garlic, and onion powder, it’s a quick and easy meal prepared in a cast iron skillet. Pair it with simple sides like coleslaw and cornbread for a complete, satisfying dinner that's ready in no time.
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32
Deb’s Daily Dish
Cast Iron Jalapeño Chicken Thighs
This dish delivers the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, thanks to the jalapeño orange relish that's tucked under the skin of juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The relish not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, but also keeps it moist and tender. Start by pan-searing the chicken on the stovetop, then finish it in the oven for a beautifully crispy skin.
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33
The Heirloom Pantry
Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Pomodoro
In under 30 minutes, these juicy chicken breasts, seasoned with Italian herbs and filled with gooey mozzarella and flavorful pesto, will be the star of the table. This stuffed chicken Pomodoro recipe is fast and easy for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for guests, delivering a big flavor with minimal fuss.
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34
Life as a Strawberry
Easy Maple Dijon Chicken
Whip up a delicious dinner in no time with just five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep! This recipe turns ordinary chicken breasts into a juicy, pan-seared delight, all smothered in a creamy maple Dijon sauce. Pair it with a quick lemon arugula salad, some creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite roasted fall veggies for a complete meal that's sure to satisfy.
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35
Mashup Mom
Chicken with Chunky Mango-Tomato Salsa
While it requires a bit of chopping, this chicken dish delivers a stunning combination of cool, fruity salsa atop perfectly cooked chicken. Ideal for a warm evening, this recipe is quick to cook on the stovetop and is a little sweet, a little spicy, and incredibly delicious.
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36
Served from Scratch
Chicken and Broccoli Sesame Noodles
For an Asian-inspired dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, try this cast iron skillet chicken recipe. Packed with the goodness of broccoli and the hearty texture of noodles, all tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, this meal is sure to be a hit. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some veggies since the broccoli almost disappears in the mix of flavors.
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37
Sense and Edibility
Chicken Fried Chicken
You’ll find the ultimate comfort food in this Southern classic. Start with buttermilk-marinated chicken, coat it in seasoned flour, and pan-fry to perfection. Then, create a luscious gravy from the pan drippings to create the finishing touch. Serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete, soul-satisfying dinner.
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Do You Have a Favorite Cast Iron Skillet Recipe?
Do you have a favorite cast iron skillet chicken recipe? Whether it’s a family heirloom, a twist on a classic, or your own creation, I’d love to hear about it. Share your favorite cast iron skillet recipe or any other thoughts in the comments section below.
I love using my cast iron skillet, so I am saving this round up to refer to weekly! Thank you!
There’re more than one recipe a day to last you a full month here!
These cast iron skillet chicken recipes are exactly what I need to switch up our dinner routine! The Apple Cider Chicken Thighs look delicious—I can imagine the aroma filling the kitchen. Can’t wait to give it a try!
It’s a fall favorite at our house!
I’m a huge fan of one-pan meals and these cast iron skillet chicken recipes are right up my alley! The Indian Butter Chicken looks divine! Adding it to my must-try list!
Let me know how it goes when you make it!
I’ve tried 5 recipes from this list but my favorite was the apple cider chicken thighs. The chicken was perfectly cooked and the apple cider sauce added a hint sweetness to the dish. Yum! Trying the Moroccan spiced chicken next time.
The Moroccan spiced chicken is every bit as good!
My whole family enjoyed the creamy coconut lime chicken, which came together quickly on a busy school night. Even our littlest alpha gal (whose most sophisticated taste is typically mac and cheese) helped herself to seconds! We paired it with brown basmati rice and an Asian peanut avocado slaw, and the leftovers for lunch were equally delicious. Thanks for a great article!
You’ve gotta love it when a sophisticated dish like creamy coconut lime chicken appeals to the littlest alpha gal with toddler tastebuds. LOL!
I made the Moroccan Tagine-Style Chicken and Olives and it was so good. It is sweet with a hint of spicy kick that I loved. Yum! My husband will be trying the Sweet and Sour Chicken for our dinner tomorrow.
Yum! I hope that is as big a hit.
Thank you for putting together this list! I have tried the Creamy Coconut Lime Chicken and it is so good! Cant wait to try the others. This really comes in handy for someone as busy as me!
That’s one of my favorites. I’m glad you liked it!
I tried the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Over Couscous, and it was so easy to make. I added almonds and apricots and it turns crunchy and sweet. Definitely making it again.
Isn’t that a great recipe? Those additions sound delish!
How could you decide which on to make?! They all look so good!
There are more than enough options to keep you cooking for a month! 🙂
Cast Iron adds a different level to meals! This article has so many different great options.
One recipe for every day of the week and then some! 🙂
awesome